Routers - OF1010 EQ and OF1400

[saands]

Hello everyone,

I am a newly registered member of the forum and a relatively new user of Festool tools. I started with the RO90 and a Midi dust extractor about six months ago and I now want several other tools from Festool. I would really appreciate your help with a few questions:

1. I am interested in buying a Festool OF1010 EQ Router which will be primarily used for cabinetry, molding, making holes for hardware and in doors, using the LR2 system and small projects like boxes. I have seen bits that fit 8mm routers in amazon and a small selection of these at Lee Valley but I don't see Festool dealers that carry them. Are the 8mm collets still not available through Festool in the US? It seems that there are several accessories for this router on the market but I find it odd that I am not able to find the bits through Festool.

2. There are not many reviews about the OF 1010 -although a few FOG members seem happy with the OF1010 and I am wondering what your thoughts are about getting the OF1010 as my only festool router. We have a new Bosch 1400 CE with a router table that my husband purchased it (about 8 months ago and before I got into Festool). It is still in new condition --although the return date was several months ago--so I can't justify buying the OF 1400. We want a router mounted on a table for trim and other molding --potentially raised panels--and I cannot see us buying a festool router table for the OF1400. Can the OF 1010 in combination with the Bosch 1400 work for our purposes? I would appreciate your suggestions.

Thank you!

 

[Cheese]

The 1010 is absolutely my favorite router and I own 3 Festools, 2 Milwaukees and 1 PC. The 1010 is the first one I pick up to use because of its small size and weight.

I've picked up several 8mm Festool unique router bits however, for the most part, I just install a 1/4" collet and use Whiteside router bits in the 1010. Whiteside has a large selection available. I've also had good luck with both CMT & Bosch router bits over the years.

I think you'll be more than happy using the 1010 by hand and having the Bosch in the table. It's tough to justify hanging a $600 router from a table unless it's for the dust collection or 80% of your work is done on the table.  [smile]

And... [welcome] to the FOG.

 

[sancho57]

I own 2 FT routers, 1010 and 2200.

1010 does about everything I need a router to do.

I havent had my 2200 out of the table for quite some time

I use the 2200 mainly for table mounted work and those times when i have to use a 1/2" large bits that I need to use by hand.

1010 is light , easy to use, plenty of power and can be used with a guide rail and is great with the LR 32 system.

You will have to buy a edge guide seperate as it didnt come with one when I bought mine. There are some after market edge guide like the micro jig that I wish I could get. But the festool one is a good guide to.

 

[Peter_C]

The most used router for me is the OF1010 also. I do have an older OF2000 that lives in a router table. Mostly I use Whiteside 1/4" shank bits in my OF1010. Pretty much have every accessory for the OF1010 and have used them all, but the edging plate is one of the handiest for edge trimming. The rail mount for it with two stops is great for doing grooves.

If wanting a router to put solely in a table, the Triton router is worth taking a look at, as it has a lot of features built in for router table use, like table top adjustments built in. 

 

[Green Mojo]

I have the 1010 and it is a great router. I have a similar setup with a Bosch router mounted in a table, and the 1010 supplements that nicely. The 1010 is the router I would prefer for any work not on the table, and it works great with my Portercable dovetail jig also.  I do have a Bosch Colt that I had before I got the 1010, but dont use that much now that I have the 1010. The bits are not a problem as you can get the 1/4 everywhere.

 

[Birdhunter]

As your only non-table router, I’d advise the 1400. It’s almost as agile as the 1010 and can handle 1/2” shank bits. I use 1/2” shank bits whenever I can. I think they have far less chatter than the smaller shank bits.

 

[weekendwarrior]

As your only non-table router, I’d advise the 1400. It’s almost as agile as the 1010 and can handle 1/2” shank bits. I use 1/2” shank bits whenever I can. I think they have far less chatter than the smaller shank bits.

+1

I got a 1010 to complement a 3-1/4 HP Triton, and I quickly realized I wanted to run 1/2" bits in my Festool router and I should have bought the 1400.  The 1400 can do the fancy 90° edge routing & it can work in the LS32.  Get a 700 or Colt/Ridgid if you need a small router for quick edging.

 

[Roseland]

I have both an OF1010 and an OF1400, and they're both great. 

The fixing for guide bushes is much easier with the 1400, which can also take 1/2" shank cutters.  The only time this is important in a handheld router is if you want a very long cutter for doing very deep mortices.

The OF1010 is much lighter and easier to handle, especially with the edging accessories, which are simply brilliant, and the main reason I first bought the 1010.  Yes, they are available for the 1400 (except the dust shroud), but the 1400 is too heavy to swing around in this application.

Much as I love Festool, I believe the Triton routers are much better for use in a table.  They have through the table height adjustment as standard (no need to buy a lift), an automatic spindle lock so you only need one spanner to change bits, and plenty of power.  And, compared to Festool, they're cheap as chips.

I hope this helps,

Andrew

 

[Vondawg]

Have to agree with the fact that you can’t use 1/2” bits with the 110... but if you think you’ll never need to ???? Then enjoy it and it’s less weight...it’s a nice router and welcome!!

 

[ScotF]

Sounds like the 1010 would be a great choice to pair with your other router. I have them all and the 1010 is the one I use most. My favorite, however, is the OF2200. The 1400 is a good all-around router and the MFK is also a great machine for edge treatments and near dustless edge treatments. With that said, the 1010 does what it can do and more with the plunge capability. It is lightweight and nimble and lots of accessories to make it a very capable machine.

 

[usernumber1]

As your only non-table router, I’d advise the 1400. It’s almost as agile as the 1010 and can handle 1/2” shank bits. I use 1/2” shank bits whenever I can. I think they have far less chatter than the smaller shank bits.

+1

I got a 1010 to complement a 3-1/4 HP Triton, and I quickly realized I wanted to run 1/2" bits in my Festool router and I should have bought the 1400.  The 1400 can do the fancy 90° edge routing & it can work in the LS32.  Get a 700 or Colt/Ridgid if you need a small router for quick edging.

am i reading correctly that 1010 can't be used in the LS32?

 

[peter halle]

The LR-32 is a perfect match for the 1010.

Peter

 

[Sparktrician]

The LR-32 is a perfect match for the 1010.

Peter

As are the Leigh dovetail jigs. 

 

[saands]

Thanks so much for all the great feedback! It sounds like the OF1010 is a good choice for me. I hadn't mentioned that I have small hands so the light weight of the 1010 sounds like a big plus. Again, thanks!

 

[Steven Owen]

Thanks so much for all the great feedback! It sounds like the OF1010 is a good choice for me. I hadn't mentioned that I have small hands so the light weight of the 1010 sounds like a big plus. Again, thanks!

Most people buy the 1400 because they have a stockpile of 1/2 inch bits.  The only real draw back of a 1010 is having to buy some duplicates of your 1/2 inch bits.

 

[semenza]

Personally I think the 1400 has better DC.

Seth